Avoiding Jealousy and Envy in Islam: Quran, Authentic Hadith and Ways to Purify the Heart
Jealousy and envy are emotions that many people experience at different stages of life.
Sometimes, we see another person enjoying success, wealth, happiness, knowledge or opportunities that we wish we had ourselves.
We may begin comparing our lives with theirs.
A friend's promotion, a relative's new home or another person's achievements may unexpectedly create feelings of disappointment or resentment.
Islam teaches believers to recognise these feelings and respond in ways that protect their hearts and relationships.
The Quran warns against harmful envy and encourages Muslims to seek Allah's blessings rather than resent what others have received.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught the importance of brotherhood, goodwill, sincere intentions and wishing good for others.
In this article, we explore the meaning of Hasad, authentic Quranic and Hadith references, the difference between harmful envy and positive aspiration, and practical ways to develop gratitude and contentment.
1. What Is Hasad in Islam?
The Arabic word Hasad is commonly used to describe envy.
In Islamic ethical discussions, it often refers to resenting a blessing that another person possesses, particularly when one wishes for that blessing to disappear.
This may involve wealth, knowledge, family life, reputation or other advantages.
Such envy can damage relationships and encourage unfair behaviour.
Islam encourages believers to replace resentment with gratitude, goodwill and sincere effort.
2. What Does the Quran Say About Envy?
Allah says:
“And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”
Reference: Quran 113:5
This verse is part of Surah Al-Falaq.
It teaches Muslims to seek Allah's protection from harmful envy.
The verse also reminds believers that jealousy can become destructive when it influences behaviour.
3. Seeking Allah's Protection
Surah Al-Falaq begins:
“Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak.”
Reference: Quran 113:1
Muslims recite this Surah as part of seeking Allah's protection.
It includes protection from several forms of evil, including the evil of envy.
Recitation should be accompanied by sincere reliance upon Allah and responsible conduct.
4. The Quran Encourages Asking Allah for His Bounty
Allah says:
“And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others... And ask Allah of His bounty.”
Reference: Quran 4:32
This verse encourages believers to turn towards Allah rather than become consumed by unhealthy comparisons.
Instead of resenting another person's blessings, a Muslim can ask Allah for beneficial opportunities and lawful provision.
5. The Difference Between Hasad and Ghibtah
Islamic scholars commonly distinguish between harmful envy and Ghibtah.
Hasad involves resenting another person's blessing or wishing for its removal.
Ghibtah refers to wanting a similar good for oneself without wishing harm or loss upon the other person.
For example, admiring someone's Quran knowledge and wanting to improve your own understanding can be a positive motivation.
The intention behind the feeling matters.
6. A Hadith About Beneficial Aspiration
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described two situations in which a person may appropriately aspire to what another has been given.
The narration mentions someone whom Allah has given knowledge of the Quran and who acts upon it, and someone whom Allah has given wealth and who spends it appropriately.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5025; Sahih Muslim 815
The expression concerning envy in this Hadith is generally explained by scholars as positive aspiration rather than harmful Hasad.
7. The Prophet's Warning Against Envy
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Do not envy one another...”
This instruction appears within a longer authentic Hadith encouraging Muslims to avoid hatred and hostility.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2563
The teaching connects the avoidance of envy with healthy relationships and Islamic brotherhood.
8. Why Envy Can Harm Relationships
Envy can change the way people view one another.
Instead of celebrating a friend's success, a person may begin searching for faults.
Instead of appreciating a relative's achievements, they may become resentful.
These feelings can contribute to gossip, unfair criticism and damaged trust.
Recognising envy early can help prevent these behaviours.
9. Envy and Unhealthy Comparison
Comparison is common in everyday life.
People compare careers, homes, income, appearance and family achievements.
However, constant comparison can make personal blessings seem insignificant.
Islam encourages believers to appreciate what Allah has provided and use their abilities responsibly.
10. The Importance of Gratitude
Allah says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you...”
Reference: Quran 14:7
Gratitude, known as Shukr, is an important Islamic quality.
It involves recognising Allah's blessings and responding appropriately.
Practising gratitude can help redirect attention away from resentment.
11. Recognising Everyday Blessings
Blessings are not limited to wealth or public success.
They may include:
Good relationships.
Safety.
Access to education.
Useful knowledge.
Opportunities to help others.
A peaceful home.
Food and shelter.
Time for worship.
Recognising ordinary blessings can help develop a more balanced perspective.
12. Contentment in Islam
Contentment is closely connected with gratitude.
It does not mean abandoning ambition or refusing to improve one's circumstances.
Instead, it means avoiding the belief that happiness depends entirely on possessing what others have.
A Muslim can work towards lawful goals while remaining thankful for present blessings.
13. True Wealth Is Not Only Material
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Richness is not having many possessions, but richness is being content with oneself.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6446; Sahih Muslim 1051
This Hadith teaches that inner contentment is a form of wealth.
Material possessions alone do not guarantee peace of mind.
14. Envy on Social Media
Social media allows people to share achievements, celebrations and personal milestones.
However, online content often shows selected moments rather than a complete picture of someone's life.
Comparing your everyday difficulties with another person's carefully presented highlights can create unrealistic expectations.
Use social media thoughtfully.
15. Avoiding Harmful Online Comparison
Practical habits include:
Limiting unnecessary scrolling.
Avoiding accounts that repeatedly encourage resentment.
Remembering that online posts do not reveal everything.
Celebrating others' achievements appropriately.
Focusing on meaningful personal goals.
Taking breaks when needed.
These are general well-being suggestions, not prescribed religious rituals.
16. Envy Between Friends
Friendships may be tested when one person experiences greater success or opportunity.
A healthy friendship allows people to celebrate one another's achievements.
If envy arises, avoid acting upon it through insults or unfair behaviour.
Consider what the feeling reveals about your own hopes and goals.
17. Envy Within Families
Family members may compare income, education, marriage or other milestones.
Such comparisons can create unnecessary tension.
Parents and relatives should avoid repeatedly ranking family members against one another.
Each person's circumstances and abilities are different.
Respectful encouragement is more beneficial than humiliation.
18. Envy at Work
Professional competition can sometimes create jealousy.
A colleague may receive recognition, promotion or opportunities that others wanted.
Rather than spreading rumours or undermining the colleague, consider constructive responses.
Ask for useful feedback.
Develop relevant skills.
Set realistic goals.
Maintain professional conduct.
19. Envy in Business
Business owners may compare sales, customers and financial success.
Competition can encourage improvement, but it should remain fair.
Islam prohibits dishonest and unjust practices.
Avoid misleading customers, spreading false accusations or attempting to harm competitors.
Focus on ethical business development.
20. Envy and Islamic Brotherhood
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 13; Sahih Muslim 45
This authentic Hadith encourages sincere goodwill.
A believer should not wish harm upon another person simply because they have received a blessing.
21. Wishing Good for Others
One practical way to challenge envy is to deliberately wish good for the person involved.
For example:
May Allah bless them in what is good.
May Allah guide them towards beneficial actions.
May Allah grant me what is best for me.
These are examples of personal supplications, not fixed Prophetic formulas.
22. Making Dua for Others
Dua can be an expression of goodwill.
A Muslim may ask Allah to bless another person's lawful achievements.
This can help shift attention away from resentment.
However, spiritual practice should not be used to deny or suppress difficult emotions without addressing their causes.
23. The Reward of Dua for Another Muslim
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that when a Muslim supplicates for another Muslim in their absence, an angel responds with a prayer that the supplicant receives the same good.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2732
This authentic Hadith encourages sincere concern for others.
24. Avoiding Backbiting
Envy may sometimes lead a person to speak negatively about others.
Allah warns against backbiting in Quran 49:12.
Before discussing someone's personal affairs, ask whether the conversation is necessary, truthful and permissible.
Avoid spreading private information or damaging reputations.
25. Avoiding Suspicion
Unhealthy jealousy may encourage assumptions about people's intentions.
The Quran warns believers against excessive suspicion.
Reference: Quran 49:12
Do not assume that another person's success was achieved through wrongdoing without evidence.
Fairness requires avoiding unsupported accusations.
26. Envy and the Evil Eye
Islamic sources discuss the evil eye, known as Al-'Ayn.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The evil eye is real.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2188
However, it is important not to assume that every illness, setback or difficulty results from envy or the evil eye.
Medical, practical and other explanations should be considered appropriately.
27. Seeking Protection Through Authentic Supplications
Muslims may recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas as part of seeking Allah's protection.
Authentic Hadith also describe reciting protective Surahs.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5017
Avoid unverified claims about guaranteed outcomes or specific rituals without reliable evidence.
28. The Importance of Sincere Intention
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught:
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1; Sahih Muslim 1907
This principle applies to personal goals and interactions.
Ask yourself whether your ambitions are motivated by beneficial purposes or by a desire to humiliate or surpass others.
29. Healthy Ambition Is Not Forbidden
Islam does not prohibit people from seeking education, lawful income or personal improvement.
Ambition can be beneficial when it is guided by honesty, gratitude and responsible effort.
The problem arises when success becomes connected with resentment or wishing harm upon others.
30. Turning Envy Into Motivation
If you admire someone's achievements, consider what you can learn from them.
For example:
If someone has strong Quran knowledge, develop a consistent learning plan.
If someone manages money responsibly, improve your budgeting skills.
If someone contributes to charity, explore suitable ways to help others.
Use admiration as motivation without wishing for the removal of another person's blessings.
12 Practical Ways to Overcome Jealousy and Envy
The following steps combine Islamic principles with general self-reflection techniques.
They are not a prescribed twelve-step religious ritual.
31. Step 1 — Recognise the Feeling
Begin by acknowledging that envy may be present.
Avoid pretending that resentment does not exist.
Recognising a feeling does not mean approving of harmful behaviour.
It creates an opportunity to respond thoughtfully.
32. Step 2 — Seek Allah's Guidance
Ask Allah to help you develop gratitude, fairness and a sincere heart.
You may make personal Dua in your own words.
There is no requirement to use a newly invented fixed formula.
33. Step 3 — Reflect on Quran 4:32
Remember Allah's instruction to ask Him for His bounty.
Instead of focusing entirely on another person's possessions, consider your own legitimate needs and goals.
34. Step 4 — Practise Daily Gratitude
Spend a few moments recognising blessings in your life.
You may reflect upon health, relationships, opportunities or useful knowledge.
A gratitude journal can be helpful for some people.
This is a practical suggestion, not a specifically prescribed Sunnah.
35. Step 5 — Make Dua for the Other Person
Ask Allah to bless the person in what is good.
This can be an opportunity to practise goodwill.
The goal is to avoid allowing resentment to shape your behaviour.
36. Step 6 — Reduce Unnecessary Comparison
Notice which situations repeatedly trigger unhealthy comparisons.
Consider reducing exposure to content that encourages resentment.
Focus on your responsibilities and progress.
37. Step 7 — Set Personal Goals
Identify one meaningful area for improvement.
Choose a realistic goal.
Break it into manageable actions.
Measure progress against your previous efforts rather than another person's life.
38. Step 8 — Celebrate Others' Achievements
When appropriate, congratulate people sincerely.
Recognise their hard work.
Avoid turning every conversation into a competition.
Celebrating another person's success does not diminish your own worth.
39. Step 9 — Avoid Gossip
Do not respond to envy by spreading rumours or personal criticism.
If a conversation becomes unfair, redirect it respectfully.
Protect other people's reputations.
40. Step 10 — Give Charity According to Your Means
Charity can encourage compassion and concern for others.
A person may give money, food, useful assistance or time according to their ability.
Do not assume that charitable giving automatically removes every difficult emotion.
41. Step 11 — Seek Advice When Necessary
If envy repeatedly affects relationships or well-being, speak with a trustworthy person.
This may include a qualified Islamic teacher, counsellor or mental health professional.
Seek support that respects both religious values and personal well-being.
42. Step 12 — Review Your Progress
Reflect upon how you respond when others succeed.
Ask yourself:
Am I becoming more grateful?
Do I speak fairly about others?
Am I pursuing my own beneficial goals?
Do I wish good for people?
Personal growth takes consistent effort.
43. Teaching Children to Avoid Envy
Children may compare toys, clothing, school results and attention.
Parents can help by:
Avoiding unfair comparisons.
Recognising each child's strengths.
Teaching gratitude.
Encouraging cooperation.
Celebrating effort as well as achievement.
Explaining why it is wrong to wish harm upon others.
Children learn these habits through everyday examples.
44. Developing a Generous Heart
Generosity involves more than giving money.
It also includes being happy for others, sharing useful knowledge and offering sincere encouragement.
A generous heart does not view every blessing as a competition.
It recognises that another person's success does not automatically represent a personal loss.
45. A Simple Weekly Heart-Purification Routine
This is an optional practical routine, not a prescribed act of worship.
Monday: Reflect on Quran 4:32.
Tuesday: Identify three blessings for which you are grateful.
Wednesday: Make sincere Dua for someone else.
Thursday: Reduce unnecessary social media comparison.
Friday: Reflect on Quran 3:134 and the importance of good character.
Saturday: Perform an appropriate act of kindness.
Sunday: Review your reactions and identify one improvement.
46. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming that every feeling of admiration is sinful envy.
Wishing for another person's blessings to disappear.
Spreading rumours because of jealousy.
Comparing your entire life with social media highlights.
Accusing people of causing the evil eye without evidence.
Using unverified religious claims or rituals.
Ignoring gratitude and contentment.
Treating another person's success as your failure.
Allowing envy to damage friendships or family relationships.
Refusing to seek help when resentment becomes overwhelming.
47. Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hasad in Islam?
Hasad generally refers to harmful envy, particularly resenting another person's blessing or wishing for its removal.
Is jealousy forbidden in Islam?
Islamic teachings condemn harmful envy and encourage gratitude, fairness and goodwill. Not every passing feeling or desire to achieve something similar is the same as prohibited Hasad.
Which Quran verse mentions envy?
Quran 113:5 mentions seeking Allah's protection from the evil of an envier when they envy.
What is the difference between Hasad and Ghibtah?
Hasad involves harmful resentment, while Ghibtah refers to wanting a similar good without wishing another person to lose it.
What did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ say about envy?
Authentic Hadith include guidance against envying one another and encourage sincere goodwill between Muslims.
How can I overcome jealousy?
Recognise the feeling, practise gratitude, avoid unnecessary comparison, make sincere Dua and focus on beneficial personal goals.
Can I admire someone's success?
Yes. Admiration and positive aspiration are different from wishing harm or loss upon another person.
What does Islam say about the evil eye?
Authentic Hadith affirm the reality of the evil eye. However, ordinary problems should not automatically be attributed to it.
Can I make Dua for someone I envy?
Yes. Making sincere Dua for another person's well-being is consistent with Islamic teachings about goodwill.
What is the most important lesson?
A believer should seek Allah's blessings, appreciate what they have and avoid allowing resentment to harm others.
Final Thoughts
Jealousy and envy can affect anyone.
Sometimes, these feelings arise unexpectedly when we compare our lives with the achievements or blessings of others.
Islam teaches believers to recognise harmful envy and respond with gratitude, sincere intentions and good character.
The Quran encourages Muslims to ask Allah for His bounty.
It also teaches believers to seek protection from the evil of envy.
Authentic Hadith encourage goodwill, contentment and love for others.
Remember these important lessons:
Recognise harmful envy before it influences your behaviour.
Ask Allah for beneficial blessings.
Practise gratitude every day.
Avoid unnecessary comparison.
Celebrate the lawful achievements of others.
Make sincere Dua for people.
Avoid backbiting and suspicion.
Develop healthy personal goals.
Seek knowledge and improve your character.
Remember that another person's success does not reduce Allah's ability to bless you.
A peaceful heart is not necessarily a heart that never experiences difficult emotions.
It is a heart that learns to respond to those emotions with wisdom, fairness and sincere effort.
Instead of asking why someone else has been blessed, ask how you can appreciate your own blessings, improve your character and seek what is good from Allah.
Islamic References
Quran 3:134 — Restraining anger and pardoning others.
Quran 4:32 — Asking Allah for His bounty.
Quran 14:7 — Gratitude.
Quran 24:22 — Forgiveness and overlooking faults.
Quran 49:12 — Avoiding suspicion and backbiting.
Quran 113:1–5 — Seeking protection, including from harmful envy.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1 — Actions are judged by intentions.
Sahih al-Bukhari 13 — Loving for others what one loves for oneself.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5017 — Recitation of protective Surahs.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5025 — Beneficial aspiration concerning Quran knowledge and wealth.
Sahih al-Bukhari 6446 — True richness and contentment.
Sahih Muslim 45 — Wishing good for others.
Sahih Muslim 815 — Beneficial aspiration.
Sahih Muslim 1051 — Contentment.
Sahih Muslim 1907 — Sincere intentions.
Sahih Muslim 2188 — The evil eye.
Sahih Muslim 2563 — Avoiding envy and hatred.
Sahih Muslim 2732 — Supplication for another Muslim.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general Islamic education. Quran translations may vary, and Hadith numbering may differ between editions. Questions about Islamic belief, spiritual protection and religious rulings should be referred to qualified scholars. Persistent emotional distress may also benefit from appropriate professional support.
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